By Marilyn Jozwik
What do you get when you cram some of the nation’s best comedy writers into one room? You get Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” a non-stop primer in one-liners and Waukesha Civic Theater’s latest offering.
Stage comedy is not easy. It depends on much more than just a funny line. That’s why the work of this eight-member ensemble cast is so impressive. Neil Simon delivers the lines – in spades. The laughs are non-stop and this cast delivers them, first class. Tim Kietzman directs.
For much of the time, the writers on the comedy show portrayed in “Laughter” are priming the pump, verbally, for the show they are writing. But in Simon’s world, every conversation is filled with funny lines. And that’s what makes this WCT show so special – the comedy seems effortless. All the characters are used to comedic banter and are looking for ways to up the ante in the verbal gymnastics.
This cast gets all the nuances and subtleties of good comedy and executes this Simon laugh fest beautifully.
Max Prince (Joe Ferrie), who has sent his suit to the cleaners, meets with writers for “The Max Prince Show,” including Milt (Mike Durrenberg), from left, Brian (Kerry Birmingham), Kenny Bart Elgar and Val (Paul Weir) in a scene from Waukesha Civic Theatre’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” Photos by Anne Kenny Creative
Set in 1953, “Laughter” is based on Simon’s own experiences as a writer for the TV show called “Your Show of Shows” with Sid Caesar. Simon’s brother was also a writer for the show.
Simon cleverly introduces each writer for “The Max Prince Show” one by one, starting with Lucas (Zach Rolf), who serves as the narrator and is based on Simon himself. Lucas, just two weeks on the job, is nervous, and anxious to make a good impression as the writers meet to discuss the next show.
Next to arrive is Milt (Mike Durrenberg). Though owning perhaps the quickest wit, he is basically insecure. He dresses fancy and fancies himself a ladies’ man, which is only a pipe dream.
Several others enter for the meeting. Val (Paul Weir), a Russian whose mispronunciations are often the butt of jokes; Brian (Kerry Birmingham), an Irishman with Hollywood aspirations; Kenny (Bart Elgar), perhaps the most practical of the bunch, keeping the writers from going completely off the rails; and Carol (Jessie Jefferson), who adds a woman’s perspective. The excentric Max Prince (Joe Ferrie), the star of the show, finally arrives, before Ira (Stefan Kent), the hypochondriac who is always late to the meetings. Simon based Ira on Mel Brooks. Kent effectively plays Ira over-the-top, with a boisterous voice and lots of physicality.
Ira (Stefan Kent), left, makes a bet with Brian (Kerry Birmingham) in a scene from Waukesha Civic Theatre’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” Photos by Anne Kenny Creative
There’s so much tongue-in-cheek humor here, but when Ferrie’s Max says, “My writers are my flesh and blood,” it’s no joke. It is such a tightrope Ferrie’s character walks, he’s unpredictable, brilliant when it comes to comedy, and sometimes seems a little off the beam. Nonetheless, Ferrie captures Max’s humanity, and not just his eccentricities. He’s not a punchline. Our introduction to Max sees him walk into the meeting, remove his suit coat and pants and summon his secretary (Brigid O’Brien) to take them to the cleaners. No one seems surprised as he walks around in his underwear. As one writer says of the enigmatic star – after he had spent a night of drugs and booze -- “Nobody hates Max like Max hates Max.” Max is a difficult character to get right, but Ferrie captures him brilliantly.
The drama in the show comes from the news Max has to deliver. “The Max Prince Show” is on shaky ground with the network; they want to shorten it and lay off one member from each department, including one writer. Max tells the writers “They want s---.” The show is too sophisticated. Everyone is worried about what might be coming next.
In the meantime, the writers discuss topics of their lives and of the day, such as the news that Sen. Joseph McCarthy (who Max calls “Joseph McNuthouse” and other names) has accused Gen. George Marshall of being a Communist sympathizer, which sends Max into a frenzy – he ends up redecorating his office with holes he’s punched in the wall. Later, Val announces to the writers that Soviet leader Joseph Stalin has died, much to his delight.
There are all sorts of cultural and historical references – Hannibal, Moses, William Saroyan, Dostoyevsky – even a short Shakespeare skit ending with the song “Roma,” a parody of Al Jolson’s well-known “Mammy.” Lots of the comedy comes at others’ expense. Says one writer, “We humiliate and denigrate anyone just to get a laugh.”
This cast works so well together. They look so comfortable and their timing is so good. I especially enjoyed Weir’s Val. It would have been easy to fall into a caricature, but Weir’s Val is nicely understated.
Director Kietzman gives the characters lots of movement, which keeps the show moving at a good clip.
Although set almost 75 years ago, the show doesn’t show signs of age and proves that Simon’s comedy is timeless.
If you go:
Who: Waukesha Civic Theatre
What: “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”
When: through Nov. 2
Where: 264 W. Main St., Waukesha
Tickets/Info: 262-547-0708; waukeshacivictheatre.org